Global Trade Link, Inc

Glad to see progress in Montreal, hoping the backlog will not be too bad ... https://www.freightwaves.com//port-of-montreal-strike-end-

It seems we just cannot catch a break lately with container shipping issues. Rates already at the all time high. Now with oil prices up and massive marine traffic disruptions in Suez we expect to see those numbers to go up again. https://youtu.be/BSiUwndgOuk

As announced in Cargo System Messaging on March 10th, 2020, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is expanding the roll out of Two Way Messaging to all commercial brokers. We start seeing more UNDER REVIEW holds and conditional releases from this agency, as well as requests for product related information. Importers must ensure validity of product applicable permissions and licenses, so we can provide information to the agency upon request, in the timely manner, to secure smooth import release. For more info on CPSC Office of Import Surveillance please visit https://www.cpsc.gov/imports

U.S. suspends tariffs on single malt Scotch whisky !!! Exciting development in the trade war between UK and U.S.. While everyone's attention is on China, and special duty tariffs on Chinese imports, we almost forgot about U.S.-EU trade war, which started over Airbus subsidies, and impact onto global passenger aircraft market. After U.S. first strike, which included raising the tariffs on Scotch whisky, EU was authorized to retaliate by WTO (World Trade Organization), citing U....S. subsidies to Boeing. American orange juice, ketchup and tractors took "a hit" amongst other goods. UK whiskey makers are very pleased with the news. The reaction of the U.S. distillers in Tennessee and Kentucky yet to be seen. The suspension is temporary, while both countries are working on the broader trade agreement. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56279525

Another vessel lost containers at sea during bad weather. This time it was Maersk Eindhoven, with vessel operator reporting 260 containers lost at sea and 65 damages. https://www.freightwaves.com//260-containers-lost-65-damag Earlier this year, Maersk Essen lost an estimated of 750 containers on January 16th, in rough seas of North Pacific.... Another reminder for the importers of why carrying cargo insurance is so important. Ocean carrier limitation of liability is limited to $500 per package/container

Please be reminded, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) has expired December 31st, 2020, and there is no preferential duty free treatment for the merchandise / countries previously eligible for it under this program. Until Congress reinstated GSP general duty rates shall apply. For more information about GSP please visit https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11232

www.globaltradelink.com